Learn English – Question on “the fabric of X” in sentences

idiomswritingwriting-style

I see a lot of sentences with "the fabric of X" in them.

For example,

  • "The veteran feels trusted, respected and understood — re-integrated into the fabric of his or her homeland."
  • "Half a century ago, working quietly in a New Orleans laboratory, Ruth Benerito helped smooth the fabric of modern life"
  • "A joint and concerted effort is needed to restore the fabric of communities…"
  • "This is the fabric of the social contract that each generation knows…"

Why did those authors choose to include it? In other words, what effect in a literary sense does it bring? How does the meaning change without "the fabric of"?

The reason why I asked is that if I removed "the fabric of," the sentences seemed perfectly fine, if not more concise. I might be wrong.

Best Answer

According to Otto Santa Ana (Brown Tide Rising: Metaphors of Latinos in Contemporary American Public ...)

For alternative views of nation, the FABRIC metaphor, such as 'the intricate weave of American peoples into the national fabric', may be considered. Textile invokes often complex warps and weaves which can be associated with patterns of relations among social groups as well as individuals. Fabric is also reticulated, which lends this semantic domain to the social network Cloth likewise evokes wholeness and inclusivity. Different threads and strands are woven together to create a 'whole cloth' which is greater than the sum of its parts....

The rich tapestry of life.

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